Software Engineer (Components)

About the role

The Components Engineering team builds the hardware and software driving critical systems for Starship, Raptor, Dragon, and Falcon vehicles. You will develop software that enables the manufacturing, testing, and analysis of high-performance components capable of operating in extreme environments. This role places you at the intersection of software and hardware, where your code directly validates the integrity of flight-critical parts. You will own the development of software solutions that ensure reliability and repeatability in demanding production workflows. The work you do will support the full lifecycle of components from initial design verification through final acceptance testing. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers, test engineers, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust software tools. Your solutions will help accelerate the cadence of component qualification and streamline root cause analysis for anomalies. This is an opportunity to build software that has a direct impact on the performance and safety of aerospace systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create modular test and automation software using Python to verify engineering designs and manufacturing processes.
• Build automation tools that interface with flight hardware, production documentation systems, and test instrumentation.
• Develop custom solutions by integrating embedded electronics with hardware.
• Design algorithms to process test data and verify component acceptance.
• Maintain automation infrastructure and collaborate with teams to identify root causes of failures.
• Manage project timelines, milestones, and reviews to ensure reliable production systems.
• Implement software controls to track configuration and ensure traceability across test campaigns.
• Support the execution of test plans by developing scripts that log, visualize, and archive measurement data.
• Automate the calibration and validation of test fixtures to reduce manual setup effort and human error.
• Partner with suppliers and internal groups to standardize interfaces and improve test coverage.
• Write documentation for software tools, APIs, and test procedures to support knowledge transfer.
• Optimize test execution speed and reliability to meet demanding production and engineering schedules.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance software quality, maintainability, and scalability.
• Leverage data analysis to drive decisions that improve yield and consistency of component builds.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in science, math, or engineering.
• 2+ years of programming experience in C, Python, or similar languages, including time spent on school or personal projects.
• Ability to work weekends and extended hours as required.
• Must meet ITAR requirements as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Willingness to comply with SpaceX policies regarding export control and data handling.
• Capability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong attention to detail when working with safety-critical systems and test procedures.
• Commitment to following documented processes and standards in a regulated environment.
• Physical ability to work in a facility environment that may include lab areas, production floors, and test sites.
• Willingness to participate in on-call rotations when supporting critical test or launch operations.
• Understanding of software versioning, build procedures, and configuration management practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams under tight timelines.

Nice to have

• Computer science degree.
• Proficiency in Linux and Windows environments.
• Experience with version control, configuration management, agile development, and continuous integration.
• Background in process automation to improve manufacturing yields.
• Familiarity with feedback loop design, signal processing, and numerical analysis.
• Knowledge of interfaces such as GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, and analog-to-digital conversion.
• Experience with spacecraft fluid systems, high-power electrical systems, electro-mechanical systems, or embedded hardware.

Practical notes

• Salary range: Level I ($125,000 - $150,000 per year) or Level II ($145,000 - $175,000 per year).
• Compensation includes potential stock options, long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, vision, dental, 401(k), life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• Full-time employment is based in Hawthorne, Canada.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the country where the role is located.
• No current sponsorship information is provided for this role.
• Travel may be required as part of the responsibilities or for business needs.
• Applicants who require a visa must ensure they meet the necessary requirements for the position location.
• Deadlines for submission of applications may apply and early application is encouraged.